How Long Does Each Stage of Alcohol Withdrawal Last?

In 2015, over 15 million American adults suffered from alcohol use disorder, and almost 90,000 people in the U.S. die from alcohol-related causes each year. This is why it’s essential to get treatment if you or your loved one is struggling with alcoholism. If you do get treatment, though, the first challenge is going through withdrawal. If you’re concerned about alcoholism withdrawal symptoms, you might be wondering what the stages of withdrawal are and how long each one lasts. It’s difficult to be exact (because the stages and their length can differ for each individual), but you can put together a general timeline of what to expect.

How Long Stage 1 Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms Typically Last

Alcoholism withdrawal symptoms are generally split into three stages, with the first stage including the most common symptoms, and also being the mildest. The symptoms ordinarily start within 8 hours after the last drink, and ordinarily continue until 24 hours after your last drink. However, stage 2 is often characterized by similar symptoms. The stage 1 withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include:

Anxiety

Irritability

Jumpiness

Mood swings

Trouble sleeping

Tremors

Stomach problems

Nausea/vomiting

Nightmares

Trouble thinking clearly

How Long Stage 2 Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms Typically Last

Stage 2 alcoholism withdrawal symptoms typically start around 24 hours after your last drink, and can continue up to three days (72 hours) after your last drink. Most of the symptoms in stage 2 are more severe versions of those experienced in stage 1 (and include those already listed), but in stage 2 there are additional symptoms that commonly manifest. Also, some stage 3 symptoms can start in this stage, particularly seizures. Stage 2 symptoms include:

Sweating

High body temperature

Increased blood pressure

Rapid heartbeat

Rapid breathing

Confused mental state

How Long Stage 3 Alcoholism Withdrawal Symptoms Typically Last

Finally, stage 3 alcoholism withdrawal symptoms represent a severe form of withdrawal called delirium tremens, or the DTs. This is much more likely if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time, and it can be fatal if left untreated. The symptoms usually start within two to four days after you’ve stopped drinking, but could start as late as 10 days afterwards. Most symptoms will resolve within a week, but the psychological symptoms in particular can last several weeks. Between 3% and 5% of people who go through withdrawal experience stage 3 symptoms such as:

Tremors

Severe confusion/disorientation

Hallucinations

Rapid mood changes

Fear

Excitement

Restlessness

Stupor/fatigue

Decreased attention span

Seizures

Getting Help

Most drinkers won’t experience the most severe symptoms of withdrawal, but even early-stage withdrawal can be very unpleasant, and is best managed by medical professionals. Most importantly, you can’t predict if you or your loved one will experience delirium tremens, so it’s essential to be medically evaluated. A full rehab program can generally provide a medical evaluation, and gives you the best chance of staying sober long-term.

Resources

“Alcohol Facts and Statistics” – National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

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